Her Story
About Ana Lucia
Ana Lucia Castro Munoz is an accomplished scientist with more than eight years of research experience investigating immunological questions across mucosal immunology, virology, parasitology, and T-cell receptor discovery and characterization. She currently serves as an Associate Scientist at Site Therapeutics in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she applies her expertise to biomedical research and therapeutic development. Her scientific background includes work across oncology and autoimmune conditions, with a focus on translating discoveries from basic research into therapeutic preclinical pipelines, diagnostics, and clinically relevant biomarkers.
Ana began building her research career at Emporia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and gained experience as a teaching assistant and international student ambassador. She subsequently conducted biomedical research through Kansas INBRE before joining the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she worked as a research technician and graduate research assistant while completing her master's degree in Biomedical Research. Her graduate research examined IL-10 as a protective mediator of breast cancer risk in premenopausal women, strengthening her expertise in immunology, flow cytometry, cell culture, and research analysis.
Following her academic training, Ana transitioned into biotechnology, joining Adaptive Biotechnologies as a Research Scientist focused on identifying T-cell receptor-based therapeutic candidates and clinically useful biomarkers. She has continued expanding her expertise in industry, contributing to research involving advanced therapeutic approaches and translational science. Beyond her professional work, Ana has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and scientific engagement through organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Woman in Bio. She approaches her career with curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing research that can ultimately make a meaningful impact on patients and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ana Lucia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity and building networks. Early on, I realized that staying comfortable in one place would limit what I would imagine doing. By collaborating with people and staying open to different things, I discovered possibilities I didn't even expect. I didn't know I could be working in the lab in science at all. Growing up, that was not even an ambition. That willingness to learn from others is really fun.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't wait until you feel completely ready for something. We're never completely ready for something different. Build relationships with other scientists, stay curious, and embrace collaboration with other people. My job hasn't been linear. I moved from teaching to academia to industry, and each transition taught me something invaluable. Rely on the people around you.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is important. Doing things the right way even when it's harder. Diversity and inclusion, bringing different perspectives. Impact, so that my words and the things I do actually help people. I do science but the main thing for me is that I also want to help people with what I'm doing.
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